Review: Spirit Calling by Kathleen A. Heitkamp

An inspirational calendar with many unique features has been created by writer Kathleen Heitkamp to emphasize that there is a Supreme Being who watches over our lives, and that we can make a difference for ourselves and others by aligning our understanding with that universal force, in the inspiring Spirit Calling: Jump-Start Awareness, Meaning, and Joy Over 365 Days.

The author composed this book for a 365-day period, and has constructed an organized format for each day. Beginning with citing the date, she gives the segment a title, offers a quotation from the Bible or other wisdom source, and then speaks as if for God. In her Introduction, Heitkamp clarifies than when she uses the term “I” in these segments, it indicates “God’s desire or will in and for us,” whereas the word “we” denotes the will of God joined with ours, and she stresses that the readings are her own interpretations. At the end of each entry there is a “Response” – a question designed to challenge the reader to think and act according to the message.

The reading for January 1 is appropriately titled “A New Year…A New You.” A Bible verse is followed by an invitation to share in God’s blessings, while observing family and community, addressing concerns and making needed adjustments as a way of starting the new year. Meanwhile, there is a suggestion to find solitude and listen for God’s call. The Response poses the question, “Will you create and renew your days and nights?” On Christmas Day, December 25, Heitkamp has titled the reading “Rebirth” and speaking in this section as Jesus, states, “I came as an infant…” so that we might identify him as human like ourselves. We are urged to ponder the star and await further revelation. The motivational Response asks readers how they will spread God’s love and joy.

Heitkamp, a retired nurse educator who incorporated holistic wellness principles into her work, began putting together Spirit Calling after she was faced with her own healing challenge: the death of her husband, giving the book an extra layer of meaning besides the aphorisms and parables based on Biblical lore. Apart from Biblical sources, quotations throughout the 365-day period include Socrates, and also draw upon other daily reading resources such as the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and “twelve-step spirituality.” All of these collected bits of wisdom are presented in contemporary language and thought patterns, dealing with such thorny issues as denial, conflict, and reconciliation, allowing readers to apply age-old wisdom to current-day situations.

Based on the author’s medical career and personal interest in helping others, she often speaks of healing, not only of illness but of attitude, and urges readers to seek out those who are vulnerable and find ways to assist them, both in family and in community, and her assured and comforting voice is what makes the book such an inspiring work, even beyond her references. Though her sources are somewhat varied, the book will be most appealing to Christian readers, but her writing style is strong throughout. Heitkamp does not hesitate to exhort her readers, motivating and inspiring them with the bold questions she poses, such as “Will you be an instrument of change and peace?”

All in all, Spirit Calling is a balanced, thoughtfully produced daily devotional meant not only to comfort and encourage, but also to stimulate and spur readers to positive action.